New Delhi: Dismissing reports of any shortage, the government on Thursday said there is no rationing of petrol and diesel anywhere in the country and blamed bulk diesel consumers like industries for the long queues at fuel pumps in some parts, who are moving to retail outlets due to the price difference of around Rs 42 per litre. Sujata Sharma, joint secretary in the ministry of petroleum and natural gas, said sales at retail pumps have increased with the onset of the Kharif sowing season, while consumers purchasing from private shops have shifted to PSU-owned pumps due to price differentials in auto fuel. He said some parts of the country have seen a 20-30% increase in sales at retail pumps. “The ministry has done an analysis…Oil marketing companies are monitoring the situation. We have adequate supply of fuel and all steps are being taken to maintain it,” Sharma said, urging the public to avoid panic buying. The statement comes amid reports of long queues at retail pumps in many parts of the country and complaints of supply cuts by some stores. While high-speed diesel is sold at around Rs 134 per liter to wholesale commercial and industrial consumers, it is available at retail outlets at around Rs 92 per litre, resulting in diversion. Speculation about a possible rise in fuel prices also prompted additional buying. The three state-owned OMCs – Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum – also assured consumers that there was no shortage of fuel anywhere, although there was pressure on logistics due to surging demand.